Dan Biggar believes the Welsh side's recent record against Leinster and their form give rise to confidence ahead of Sunday's final, writes JOHN O'SULLIVAN

DAN BIGGAR is 22 years old. It’s important to emphasise his age because there are a couple of other numbers that lend credence to the notion he’s older, if far from wizened, having surpassed the century mark in terms of appearances for the Ospreys and amassed over 1,000 points to boot.

Goodness knows what sort of figures he could rack up if he stays healthy and continues to match, or better, current levels, form-wise. The latter part of the statement is an important rider. He made his debut for Wales as a 19-year-old in November 2008 but since then the outhalf has managed just nine caps, including only one in the last 18 months.

He not only missed out on the World Cup and a Grand Slam but occasionally had to endure a barracking from some of his own supporters. It’s a measure of the character alongside his talent that has allowed him to force his way back into the Welsh squad for the upcoming game against the Barbarians and hopefully followed by the summer three-Test tour to Australia.

Wales caretaker coach Rob Howley explained: “We have been pretty honest with Dan over the last 12 months. He’s gone away and done an MOT on his game and worked particularly hard. I think he has matured over the last 12 months as a player and a person.

“We know about his kicking game, but he is more of a running threat now with ball in hand. It’s that balance in terms of his mix which Dan has gone away and worked on. The Ospreys are playing particularly well and Dan has certainly added value to the way they are playing.”

On Sunday, Biggar knows he has a massive opportunity to showcase his ability, when playing in the Pro 12 final against Leinster at the RDS. He concedes there have been highs and lows in terms of his fledgling Test career but admitted: “I want to cement a place in the squad and that starts on Sunday, through the Babas game and then hopefully the tour. I am proud to be brought back into the squad and it’s something I’m hoping not to pass up.”

Whatever about national-team concerns his focus is exclusively on helping the Ospreys to regain a Pro 12 title they won in 2010; coincidentally against Leinster at Sunday’s venue. “You always want to try and better yourself as a person and as a player. I have gone away, looked at my game and come back a stronger player.

“I have focused on becoming a little bit more of an attacking threat, a little bit more dynamic with the ball in hand. I have looked at becoming a better defender, which is important, especially in big finals.

“They’re (finals) all about doing the basics well, so for me that’s kicking goals, getting some good passes away and making tackles. I have worked hard on getting the basics right and letting everything else follow on.”

The Ospreys, fresh from a scintillating 45-10 victory over Munster in the semi-final, stand on the threshold of a momentous achievement, namely beating the European champions three times in a season. They have already beaten Leinster in league games at the Liberty Stadium and the RDS.

This weekend Leinster coach, Joe Schmidt will select from almost a full complement, making the magnitude of the task far greater for the visitors. Biggar conceded: “Leinster are up there if not the best club side that there’s been in recent times. To play them in their own backyard after winning the Heineken Cup is about as tough a test as you’re going to get.

“We don’t fear it as it is something that we are looking forward to but we’re very respectful of the opposition and everything that they have achieved. Games like this on Sunday are why you want to play the game. It is a big chance for us to make a real big statement in terms of European rugby.

“You run out of superlatives about them. To be going for a double is a testament to the fantastic coach they have and a fantastic group of players. For both teams there is a lot to play for and I’m sure that on Sunday both will go out and try and win the game rather than not get beaten.”

He watched the Twickenham match both to enjoy the spectacle and keep a weather eye on Leinster’s patterns. So how did he rate the two outhalves, Jonathan Sexton (Leinster) and Paddy Jackson (Ulster)?

“For Paddy Jackson it was a massive game to embrace when you’re 20 years of age against a side like Leinster. It was extremely difficult for him. Leinster’s pack began to strangle the game after 25 or 30 minutes and they gave their half-backs an armchair ride.

“You take nothing away from the control and influence that Jonathan Sexton has on a game. He is up there as one of the top 10s in the world. For me to go and play against him is a real privilege. It’s something I am looking forward to because you want to test yourself against the best and Johnny Sexton is up there with the best.”

The Ospreys’ record in Dublin will infuse confidence, something that’s not in short supply; understandably given their brilliant form.

Biggar said: “We are playing with a lot of confidence. (Ospreys coach) Steve Tandy’s got a big part in that. He’s given us a licence and simplified our game. Big credit to him, Ryan Jones, Adam Jones, Alun Wyn Jones, the whole pack really, who have come back from Wales duty and given absolutely everything to winning this league.

“We certainly have a decent record against them and that brings its own confidence; they are beatable but at the same time we’re fully aware of the magnitude of the test on Sunday. We have to play as well as we can for the full 80 minutes to cause an upset.”

They’ll relish that remit.